Full Review: 2012 Toyota Camry

It's too easy for car enthusiasts to scoff at the Toyota Camry, pointing out that its driving dynamics are uninspiring and its styling resembles a home appliance. But guess what: If you ask car enthusiasts which car they would recommend to their family and friends seeking a sensible, reliable everyday car, more often than not the Camry would top the list. And the proof is also in the market place. Since its introduction in 1983, nearly 15 million Camrys have been sold. It's hard to argue against some 350,000 or so customers who time and time again purchase a Camry.

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For 2012, Toyota is determined to have its new 7th-generation Camry continue its reputation for quality and reliability by doubling the number of parts it studies for defects and tripling the number of on-road testing miles, compared to the previous model. Targeted areas for improvement were improved ride comfort and reductions in noise, vibration and harshness. By using more high-strength steel and more welds for lighter weight and improved chassis rigidity, the new Camry allows its front MacPherson strut and a newly redesigned multilink/strut rear suspension to better soak up road imperfections. Much effort has also been spent damping out any unwanted road noise through measures such as sound-deadening materials added to the rear wheel wells, and using sandwiched sheet steel in the dash.

Inside the cabin, the latest infotainment technology is available with the premium JBL 5.1-channel, 10-speaker audio system with 7-in. touchscreen. Check the option box for the Toyota's EnTune system and it offers real-time traffic information, weather and sports, and downloadable apps such as Bing search engine, iheartradio.com, OpenTable and Pandora, all to keep you properly connected as you fight that daily rush-hour traffic.

The new Camry comes in four trim levels: L, LE, SE and XLE. All can be powered by either a 178-bhp 4-cylinder or 268-bhp V-6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. And don't forget about the Camry Hybrid, which sees a much improved Hybrid Synergy Drive system with a bumped-up 200 net horsepower, compared with 187 in the previous model. This is made possible through adopting and reworking the same 4-cylinder engine seen in the gas-powered Camrys. (more)